Last Updated on July 23, 2024 by Marybeth
It’s the beyond that will call to you.
At Marrero’s Guest Mansion you’ll be in the ideal vantage point to experience Duval Street and beyond. You’ll take a right out your front door for Duval Street – a half block away! And Mallory Square is just a ten-minute walk.
Go left for the path less traveled.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of the wonders on Duval and the waterfront – or better yet, before you brave those crowds, take that left turn while you’re still feeling fresh and bright and curious.
You may have heard of Bahama Village, and its iconic, not exactly a secret, restaurant Blue Heaven. Blue Heaven is celebrated for its amazing food, enchanting atmosphere, and also the sign by the rickety double-door “shower” that says Showers $1.00. To watch $2.00.
Radiating out from Blue Heaven you’ll find shotgun houses, conch cottages, and bungalows painted in bright colors reminiscent of the Bahamas. Locally owned shops and restaurants. Bougainvillea spills over white picket fences, and as I explored one peaceful morning I could hear calypso music from a couple of streets over. Not sure if it was from a restaurant or someone’s front porch.
Bahama Village is often described as the last sector of the real Key West. This neighborhood where the Bahamians began settling in the late 1800s does have an untouched-by-tourism feel.
Marrero’s Guest Mansion is a 7 minute walk to Blue Heaven. And beyond.
STAY
Totally overhauled and reimagined by one of the most visionary designers we have come across in all our years of writing about places to stay in Florida, Marrero’s Guest Mansion brings joy – and rest. Wow factor plus harmony. A visual feast alongside serenity.
This kaleidoscope of feelings has been created by hotelier and interior designer Azie Shelhorse. Along with her husband, Travis, Azie owns a small boutique hotel brand, {verdigreen} hotels. “For those who like to wander… and for those who crave comfort in a destination” perfectly describes what you’ll find at Marrero’s Guest Mansion in Key West.
The importance of innovative and intuitive design in the hospitality industry is a topic much talked about these days, as travelers seek more personalized experiences. No longer as satisfied with just clean and comfortable, many of us look for lodging that inspires us (to go home and re-do our own environment!) as well as offers pure relaxation in a visually pleasing atmosphere.
As much as we laud the impeccable style choices we also want to talk about the very real presence of humor and unfiltered fun here. Azie and her team don’t take themselves too seriously. Yes, we’re in awe of their expertise (I stop just short of calling myself a fangirl!) but we also would love to just hang out with them, unwinding poolside or chilling on the front porch during Marrero’s daily happy hour.
To call someone a visionary is pretty big stuff. The description exceptional creative forces and persistence and optimism may bring it down a notch to real-life and not feel like I’ve just sat her up there with Ghandi and Mandela.
With delightful transparency, Azie describes the process that faced them as they renovated the hotel while still hosting guests. We all love a good background story. “It’s become a joke that one of our contractors starts all his calls with ‘I hate to be the bearer of bad news…’ but the reality is, it’s not bad news to me, it’s just another problem to solve.” Answering terrible news with trust in the hoped-for result doesn’t come easy to most of us. (I’d be sobbing.)
This actually happened during the renovation of Marrero’s Guest Mansion:
Contractor: “We have to replace the wood floor because of termite damage.” Azie: “Whatever (it looks better now.)”
Contractor: “The old carpet was hiding asbestos.” Azie: “Doesn’t matter (replacing it anyway.)”
Contractor: “The pool needs to be resurfaced midsummer.” Azie: “Oh well (I like it better without cracks and stains.)”
Contractor: “The plaster ceilings just fell down..” Azie: “You’d better be joking!”
Easy for us to say “All that crazy hard work sounded soul-punishing, but wow, it was totally worth it!” as we gaze at the brilliant finished hotel. But Azie says the same. “It was total organized chaos and teamwork and laughter and tears and an adventure we’ll always remember.”
Cuban vibes meets modern flair: the mansion was built by local cigar maker Francisco Marrero in 1890 for his wife and their family. There are some stories circulating about good old Francisco allegedly leading a double life – with another family back in Cuba – but we’ll leave the dubious recriminations for other media platforms!
Rooms
You’ll discover, within Marrero’s twelve guest rooms, multiple personalities. How fun it must have been to create these beauties; distinct worlds unto themselves. Many of the rooms have a balcony or a veranda, and two have their own entrance. One of these – the Cabana Room – is in its own separate little building just off the pool. Peruse and choose your room, here.
We stayed in Room 6; softly radiant, the color of late summer and a lowering sun.
We were thrilled to be able to tour two other guest rooms. Room 2, on the first floor, has a subtle sophistication and a calming ambiance:
The Cabana Room felt like Room 2’s sparkling, buoyant little sister:
Gathering Spots
Though Marrero’s Guest Mansion is half a block from Duval Street, you’ll still get an away-from-it-all energy throughout the grounds. Guests gravitate towards the swimming pool for drifting, chatting, and just lounging.
And some fun decor choices (there are many! These are just a sampling):
PLAY
Around Town: Bahama Village
Duval Street gets so much press and glory already; we’re going to show you around Bahama Village today.
Around Town: Not Duval Street
Within a block or four of Marrero’s Guest Mansion are many under-the-tourist radar spots to check out.
And we’ll leave you with a not not-touristy bar, but we’d be sad if you didn’t experience this gem (not hidden) in Key West. Green Parrot Bar: any place that’s been around since 1890 deserves a big high-five, and a visit.
“The Parrot is a jury of non-judging peers, a rugged and ragged council of friends. It is a place of hi-jinks and misadventures, of understated kindnesses, and everyday miracles. It has seen all manner of human exploits, from poetry slams to divorce celebrations, from memorial services to hurricane parties and pet birthday bashes, from tattoo contests to fundraising benefits.” If our entreaty to go here isn’t enough, that quote from their website should be.
Book your stay in the vibrant Key West paradise that is Marrero’s Guest Mansion. There is NO resort fee at Marrero’s!
Follow Marrero’s Guest Mansion on Instagram.
Check out {verdigreen} hotels’ other properties (one is our longtime favorite, Sunset Inn & Cottages) on Instagram.
Sift through {verdigreen} home on Instagram for more design inspiration!
Our stay at Marrero’s Guest Mansion was hosted, and as always, our opinions are our own.
